Pubdate: Sat, 25 Nov 2000
Source: Scranton Times (PA)
Website: http://www.nepanews.com/
Address: 149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Contact:  2000 The ScrantonTimes/Shamrock Communications
Author: Laura Musto / Regional Staff Writer

LUZERNE COUNTY DA SAYS DRUGS FUEL AREA CRIMES

DURYEA -- Luzerne County District Attorney David Lupas told Duryea Crime 
Watch members recently that drugs and alcohol are fueling most area crimes.

He addressed the group last Wednesday night as the latest in a series of 
guest speakers to educate Crime Watch members about crime prevention.

Mr. Lupas listed drug use as the number one problem facing communities.

He said drug and alcohol statistics are not realistic in the county. While 
many crimes such as burglary or theft are spurred on by drug use, the case 
files don't reflect that information.

"You see elderly purse snatchings. You see convenient stores being robbed. 
So much of what we see is drug related. It's the number one problem in our 
community," he said.

Gerry Chickeletti, crime watcher organizer, sees the benefit of hosting 
guest speakers like Mr. Lupas.

"Instead of just showing up for a meeting, we bring in a topic and we 
discuss it," said Mr. Chickeletti said. "That's what they want to hear. 
That is what they need to hear. They sit here and think: 'What are we 
getting from this?'"

Duryea police recently arrested 23 youths in one week for underage 
drinking. The youths were from Jenkins, Laflin and Pittston.

Mr. Lupas said he is amazed by the number of children, when asked, who say 
they know someone using drugs or alcohol.

"Three quarters of the hands go up. Kids are starting at 13 and 14 years 
old," he said.

Crime Watch members asked how to stop drug use. "Suppose there are good 
parents and bad kids. Are there programs set up?" asked member Diane Pisga.

Mr. Lupas said there are county agencies to help parents as well as a new 
Parent Network program begun this month in the county.

"You can be the best parent in the world and for whatever reason, the kids 
go astray," he said. "The drug problem doesn't discriminate between low 
income or high income. As long as there are people to buy drugs, there will 
be dealers to sell it."

Members also cited parental neglect and a lack of constructive activities 
for children as causing the drug problem.

"With so many people getting the message out there, why aren't kids buying 
it?" Ms. Pisga asked. "I think kids at a certain age think they're invincible."

Mr. Lupas encouraged Crime Watch members to call his office for help.

"Being here tonight. Being proactive. You are the eyes and ears of the 
community. Nobody knows your neighborhood -- your block -- like you do," he 
said. "I want to compliment you for what you have done, for having an 
active crime watch."
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